During his appearance on “Good morning, Hungary!” on Kossuth Radio, the prime minister emphasized the importance of neutrality in the current global landscape. "Economic neutrality best serves the interests of the Hungarian people," PM Orbán stated, reinforcing his commitment to a pragmatic and flexible foreign policy. Reflecting on the last 30 years, he pointed out how Hungary’s focus has predominantly been on securing a place in the Western world, but the time has come to broaden this approach and capitalize on economic opportunities across the globe.
Prime Minister Orbán also highlighted the findings of a report by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi, which reveals significant challenges in European competitiveness. According to the report, Asia’s rise poses a serious challenge to the EU, making it crucial for countries like Hungary to avoid economic isolation or "bloc formation," which could marginalize the nation on the global stage.
Hungary must compete on a unified global stage, maintaining robust ties with both Eastern and Western economies. As he put it, "We must preserve our relations eastward and westward."
Economic neutrality, as the PM explained, involves a commitment to viewing the economy through a lens of market logic rather than political ideology. This, he believes, is the best way to secure long-term growth for Hungary. Aiming for balanced relationships with global powers, this strategy allows Hungary to navigate the geopolitical shifts while still advancing its economic interests.
The prime minister also addressed Hungary’s recovery from a challenging economic period, noting that the country is now on the cusp of significant growth. Inflation has dipped below three percent, and Hungary’s investment rates outperform the EU average. PM Orbán predicted that Hungary will be the third-fastest-growing economy in the EU by 2025, though he added, "We aim to be the first."
Looking to next year’s budget, the government’s focus will be on increasing the minimum wage and expanding opportunities for young workers through a new "workers’ loan" program. This initiative, targeting those who have worked since a young age but missed out on student loan benefits, will provide easier access to affordable credit.
"The best solution is when employees and employers reach an agreement," PM Orbán said, stressing the importance of market-driven negotiations over wage increases. The government will act as a mediator but aims for a multi-year agreement to ensure stability.
Turning to the issue of migration, the prime minister reminded listeners that Hungary has long been a vocal advocate for the protection of the EU’s external borders. He reiterated that, since 2015, Hungary has maintained that securing these borders is crucial for safeguarding national sovereignty. Now, with Germany reintroducing internal border controls, PM Orbán noted the irony that Hungary’s warnings have been proven accurate.
Hungary has stood firm in its belief that a nation must defend its borders to avoid becoming a "migrant country." As the prime minister declared, "Hungary belongs to Hungarians. Period."
Prime Minister Orbán also pointed to the financial burden Hungary has shouldered in protecting the EU’s external borders, spending approximately €2 billion without support from Brussels. He insisted that the European Union owes Hungary compensation for these efforts, stating, "This is money they owe us, and it’s only a matter of time before we get it."
On the international stage, the prime minister touched on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, stressing the importance of peace. "Everyone has an interest in a ceasefire and peace negotiations," he stated, highlighting the need for European nations to start thinking about peace, rather than prolonging the conflict. He hinted at upcoming peace initiatives in the coming weeks, reflecting Hungary’s ongoing efforts to foster dialogue in war-torn regions.
With economic growth on the horizon and a commitment to safeguarding national interests, Hungary’s strategy under Prime Minister Orbán remains clear: build prosperity through neutrality, protect sovereignty through strong borders, and advocate for peace wherever possible.